Samuel Thomas, II

Celebration of Life: Samuel Thomas II

Samuel Thomas II, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 27, 2025, at the age of 71.

Born to Samuel and Shirley Thomas in Clarksville, Tennessee, Samuel was the eldest of four children. He is survived by his siblings Sandy and Stacey Thomas, and Sharon Smith. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of nearly 54 years, Charlotte; his three beloved sons Shearrard (Leslie), Shawn (Jill), and Sloan (Amber) and bonus-son nephew Shannon Boyd; ten treasured grandchildren—Alira, Christopher, Sydney, Nichole, Symone, Shawna, Kason, Emerson, Boyd, and Estella Vi; and his great-granddaughter Ariah.

Samuel grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he spent his childhood surrounded by family, faith, and the great outdoors. He cherished hunting and fishing with his father and cousins. A natural leader and athlete at Clarksville High School, Samuel played football and served as the captain of the wrestling team, competing at the state level. His magnetic personality and kind heart earned him the title of "Most Popular" among his classmates, but his greatest blessing during those years was meeting Charlotte, the love of his life. From the moment they met, Samuel knew she was his forever, and their love story became the foundation of his life.

Samuel went on to play football at Austin Peay State University before moving to Texas to pursue a career as an entrepreneur in sales and construction services. He was a man of deep faith and a proud member of the Freemasonry fraternity. Samuel dedicated more than 30 years to The Church Without Walls, where he served in the Pastor Ralph Douglas West Ministry, recording sermons on tapes and CDs to ensure that the Word of God reached as many people as possible. He was an active member of Momentum Men’s Ministry and volunteered wherever needed, always answering the call to serve.

Samuel’s life was defined by generosity and kindness. He opened his home to friends and family in need, was a father figure to many and never turned away someone who required help. He found joy in cooking and entertaining; his family will forever remember his famous holiday ham and Christmas brunch. Many of life's greatest moments were celebrated alongside Charlotte with a homemade lobster dinners and routine days made special with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Affectionately known as Papa, Samuel’s happiest times were spent adoring and supporting his grandchildren at cheerleading and dance events, sports games, graduations, and birthdays. He was a hands-on grandfather, cherishing sleepovers at Nana and Papa's house, where rules were left at the door and bedtimes never enforced. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal values as his second generation.

A devoted sports fan, Samuel’s love for football never wavered. He always cheered on the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, but his heart belonged to the University of Texas Longhorns. In 2024, he was honored with induction into the Clarksville High School Hall of Fame, a recognition of his athletic achievements and the lasting impact he made on his alma mater.

Above all, Samuel was a man of faith, love, and service. He guided his sons into manhood and celebrated the men and fathers they became. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he imparted, and the unwavering love he shared.

Though his passing leaves a deep void, Samuel’s family finds comfort in knowing he is at peace, sitting at the right hand of his Heavenly Father. His faith was unshakable, and his devotion to God was the foundation of his life and marriage to Charlotte. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered.

A celebration of Samuel’s life will be held to honor his life lived in service, love, and unwavering faith on Saturday, March 8th at 11 AM at The Church Without Walls Queenston Chapel, located at 5725 Queenston Blvd., Houston, TX 77084.